Screwless dental implant connection

ABSTRACT

A dental restoration system is disclosed. A dental restoration system includes an implant, retention component, dental component and driver tool. The retention component is sealable in a retention chamber of the implant. The retention component includes a driver section for interfacing with a driving head of the driver tool and a dental component engagement section with a threaded surface. The dental component includes a retention component interface surface with threads. The dental component engages the retention component via the threaded surface interlocking with the threads of the retention component interface surface when the dental component is inserted in the implant. The driver tool is used to rotate the retention component to engage the dental component apically. The retention component contacts the retention component wall and the dental component contacts an annular shoulder of the implant when the dental component is fully attached to the implant.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/172,363, filed on Jun. 8, 2015, the benefit ofpriority of which is claimed hereby, and which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to dental implants and more specifically to ascrewless connection mechanism for the attachment of a dental implantand a dental component.

BACKGROUND

A well-known procedure is the dental restoration of a partially orwholly edentulous patient with artificial dentition. Typically, a dentalimplant is seated into the bone of a patient's jaw. The dental implantincludes a socket, e.g., a bore, which is accessible through theoverlying or surrounding gum tissue for receiving and supporting one ormore attachments or components which, in turn, are useful to fabricateand support prosthodontic restorations. The dental implant generallyincludes a threaded bore to receive a retaining screw for holding matingcomponents therein. Dental implant procedures may use a variety ofimplanting modalities, for example, blade, threaded implant, or smoothpush-in implant.

Single tooth restorations present the unique requirement that theprosthesis must be supported non-rotationally when engaged with theimplant. Often times this is achieved through non-rotational support ofthe underlying abutment. When a prepared natural tooth is the underlyingabutment, this requirement is met in the normal course of preparing theabutment with a non-circular cross-section. Likewise, when theunderlying abutment is a post fitted onto an implant, this requirementis met by preparing the post with a non-circular cross-section. Thislatter scenario may be more complicated due to the added connectionbetween the implant and the abutment.

While numerous design iterations have been marketed, overall there havebeen three generations of the implant-abutment interface within theseassemblies: an external hex implant, an internal connection implant, anda vertical connection assembly. The external hexagonal implant designhas a hexagonal shape (or another anti-rotation feature) protruding outof the implant and the corresponding prosthesis has a female hexagonalreceptacle. There is a surface below the hexagonal protrusion on whichthe abutment is seated. The hexagonal protrusion acts to constrain theabutment from rotating around the longitudinal axis as well aspreventing movement on the plane coincident with the implant seatingsurface. A screw is introduced and rotated to attach the abutment andthe implant. The screw is essentially the sole component resistingbending forces.

Unfortunately, screws are a separate component that must be installed inthe implant in addition to the abutment during oral surgery. Screws aresmall and difficult to deliver into a patient. The size of the screwmakes it difficult to hold when inserting the screw into the implant andabutment and runs the risk of being ingested, or even worse, aspirated,if the screw is dropped. Further, a normal screw has a head that sitsabove the seating surface of the implant. The head limits the degree ofangle adjustment of the abutment because the abutment screw head breaksout from the body once a certain angle is achieved, depending on thephysical characteristics of the screw (i.e., screw head height anddiameter), the location of the screw head, and the angle of theabutment. In order to accommodate a screw (or at least a diameterequivalent to the screw head diameter), the access hole in the abutmentmust be sized to accept the largest diameter of the screw, and this canoften he relative large (compared to the outer diameter of the abutment.This can weaken the structural stability of the abutment, as well aspotentially detract from the ultimate aesthetics of the provisionaland/or final restoration(s).

Thus, there is a need for a retention component between a dental implantand a mating component such as an abutment that allows the attachment ofthe implant and the abutment without using a conventional mountingscrew. There is a further need for a retention component that ispre-seated in an implant thereby preventing the mishandling of a screwwithin the oral cavity during oral surgery. There is a further need foran interface between a dental implant and abutment that creates a sealbetween the two components, thereby preventing and potentially promotingbacterial exchange between the oral cavity and the internal aspect ofthe implant. There is a further need for an interface between a dentalimplant and an abutment that allows design flexibility of a restorationhaving the possibility of an extremely short and/or highly angledrestoration without sacrificing strength and/or aesthetics of therestoration.

BRIEF SUMMARY

An example of the present disclosure is a dental restoration systemincluding an implant having a tip, a cylindrical body, and an open endhaving an annular shoulder. The cylindrical body includes a retentioncomponent chamber having a retention component wall. The system includesa retention component seated in the retention chamber of the implant.The retention component including a driver section for interfacing witha driving head of a driver tool and a dental component engagementsection with a threaded surface. A dental component includes a retentioncomponent interface surface with threads and a bore therethrough. Adriver tool includes a driving head. The dental component engages theretention component via the threaded surface interlocking with thethreads of the retention component interface surface when the dentalcomponent is inserted in the implant. The driving head of the drivertool engages the driver section of the retention component to allowrotation of the retention component via the driver tool to engage thedental component apically. The retention component contacts theretention component wall and the dental component contacts the annularshoulder of the open end of the implant when the dental component isfully attached to the implant.

Another example is a method of connecting a mating component to animplant via a retention component. The implant includes a tip, acylindrical body, and an open end having an annular shoulder. Thecylindrical body includes a retention component chamber having aretention component wall. The retention component includes a driversection for interfacing with a driving head of a driver tool and adental component engagement section with a threaded surface. The methodincludes inserting the retention component into the implant where theretention component is at least partially contained in the retentioncomponent chamber. The retention component and the implant are insertedinto a subject. The mating component is inserted into the implant. Themating component is permitted to interface with the retention componentvia a threaded connector. The retention component is rotated to join themating component apically. The mating component is joined with theimplant by contacting the retention component against a retention walland the mating component in contact with the annular shoulder.

Another example is a dental system including a dental implant having aninternal bore and a rotatable threaded retention component locatedwithin the internal bore. The system also includes an abutment includinga lower threaded stem engaging the rotatable threaded retentioncomponent. The abutment is pulled into a final engagement position onthe implant in response to the rotation of the rotatable threadedretention component.

Another example is a dental implant assembly including an implant havingan internal bore extending inwardly from one end of the implant. Arotatable threaded retention component is located within the internalbore. The rotatable threaded retention component has a member that isheld captive within the internal bore of the implant and a threadedshank facing upwardly away from a bottom of the internal bore forengaging a corresponding threaded section of a component to be mated tothe implant.

Another example is a method of connecting an implant to an abutment. Themethod includes inserting a lower threaded stem of the abutment into aninternal bore of the implant until the lower threaded stem engages arotatable threaded component within the internal bore the implant. Therotatable threaded component is rotated within the implant to pull theabutment into a final engagement position relative to the implant.

The foregoing and additional aspects and implementations of the presentdisclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art inview of the detailed description of various embodiments and/or aspects,which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description ofwhich is provided next.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other advantages of the present disclosure will becomeapparent upon reading the following detailed description and uponreference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a cross-section view of a dental assembly including an implantand a mating component with a retention component being driven via adriver tool;

FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the interface assembly between theimplant and the mating component with the retention component in FIG. 1after the activation (rotation) of the retention component within theimplant;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the dental implant in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a cross-section view of the dental implant in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a close-up perspective view of the mating component in FIG.1;

FIG. 4B is a cross-section view of the mating component in FIG 1;

FIG. 5A is a close-up perspective view of the retention component inFIG. 1;

FIG. 5B is a cross-section view of the retention component in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6A is a cross-section view of an alternate interface assemblybetween a dental implant, retention component, and a dental component;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the retention component in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a top view of the retention component in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6D is a cross-section view of the alternate interface in FIG. 6Awith a two piece retention component;

FIG. 6E is a perspective view of the two piece retention component inFIG. 6E;

FIG. 7A is a cross-section view of an alternate interface assemblybetween a dental implant, a retention component, and a dental component;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the retention component in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is a top view of the retention component in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an alternate interface assembly betweena dental implant, a retention component, a snap ring insert, and amating component;

FIG. 8B is a cross-section view of the alternate interface assembly inFIG. 8A when the mating component is inserted;

FIG. 8C is a cross-section view of the alternate interface assembly inFIG. 8A when the mating component is fully mated with the dental implantusing the retention component;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the retention component in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9B is a side view of the retention component in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9C is a top view of the retention component in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 10A is a cross-section view of the assembly of a cover screw dentalcomponent assembled with the implant and retention component shown inFIG. 8A-8C;

FIG. 10B is a perspective, exploded view of the components of the coverscrew dental component in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10C is a top view of the cover screw dental component in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10D is a side view of the cover screw dental component in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a top view of an alternate implant interface for a dentalcomponent with different rotational orientations;

FIG. 11B is a top view of an alternate implant interface for a dentalcomponent with a specific rotational orientation;

FIG. 12A is a cross section view of the interface assembly in FIG. 8Awith a plug device inserted in the dental component by a plug tool; and

FIG. 12B is a cross section view of the interface assembly in FIG. 8Awith the plug tool oriented for removing the plug device from the dentalcomponent.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way ofexample in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. Itshould be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to belimited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an implant and matingcomponent interface assembly 100. The interface assembly 100 includes animplant 102, a retention component 104, and a dental mating component106 that in this example is an abutment. As will be explained below, theretention component 104 is inserted into the implant 102 prior to theinsertion of the implant 102 into a patient. The combination of theimplant 102 and the retention component 104 are therefore considered animplant assembly. Other mating components may include abutments,impression copings, cover screws, monolithic prostheses, etc. The matingcomponent may also be an attachment member, which when scanned providesdata about the implant 102. Such an attachment member conveysinformation about the implant (i.e., location, orientation, type, etc.)and/or the surrounding conditions (i.e., subgingival tissue contours,etc.). Such an attachment member may be one piece or two pieces. Theattachment member may be left in the mouth during healing or it may beattached for a short period of time sufficient to acquire the data.

A driver 108 is shown in FIG. 1 to facilitate the attachment of themating component 106 with the implant 102. The components shown in FIG.1 are used in dental restorative processes. As is known, the implant 102is inserted into the bone of a patient's jaw after a suitable osteotomyis created in the bone. An implant driver tool is used to rotate theimplant 102 into the osteotomy and therefore position it in the bone.The dental mating component 106 in this example may be a standardprosthetic part or customized to replace the patient's tooth in thisexample and is attached to the implant 102 after the implant 102 isseated in the bone. After the dental component 106 is inserted into theimplant 102, the dental component 106 is fixed to the implant 102 byusing the driver tool 108. As will be explained below, the interfacebetween the implant 102 and the abutment 106 includes the retentioncomponent 104 that keeps the implant 102 and abutment 106 joined andproperly aligned. This interface provides both controlled verticallocation and rotational alignment of the abutment 106 relative to theimplant 102. The retention component 104 enforces and maintains thiscontrol once the connection between the implant 102 and the abutment 106is established.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 3A-3B, the dental implant 102 has a roughlycylindrical body 120 that includes a closed end 122 and an opposite openend 124. The cylindrical body 120 includes an exterior surface 126 andan interior surface 128. The exterior surface 126 has a series ofthreads 130 that hold the implant 102 into the bone. The implant 102includes an interior bore 132 that includes the interior surface 128.The interior bore 132 includes an anti-rotation section 134 and aretention component section 136.

As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the open end 124 includes the anti-rotationsection 134. The anti-rotation section 134 includes an annular ring 302defining an exterior surface 304. The annular ring 304 has an annularinterior shoulder 306 that includes an annular stop surface 308. Theannular stop surface 308 is substantially horizontal and allows thedental component 106 to be seated on a known and repeatable planarsurface and creates a seal based on the contact between the stop surface308 and a matching surface on the mating component 106 as will beexplained below.

The anti-rotation section 134 includes a set of circular ridges 310 andgrooves 312 that mate with corresponding surfaces on the dentalcomponent 106 to prevent rotational motion when the dental component 106is inserted into the dental implant 102. The ridges 310 and grooves 312partly create the annular stop surface 308. The opposite end of theridges 310 and grooves 312 also define a retention stop surface 314 thatdefines the retention component section 136. The retention componentsection 136 includes a top section 320 having a first diameter. The topsection 320 is defined on one end by the retention stop surface 314. Theopposite end of the top section 320 is connected to a conical middlesection 322. The conical middle section 322 is connected to a bottomsection 324 that has a second diameter that is smaller than the firstdiameter of the top section 320. The bottom section 324 is bounded by aninterior bottom end 326. Of course different types of anti-rotationarrangements such as dual anti-rotation sections may be used.

FIG. 1 and FIGS. 4A-4B show the mating component 106. The matingcomponent 106 includes an access hole 140 that extends from a topsurface 142 and a bottom end surface 144. The mating component 106includes a middle anti-rotational section 146 and a bottom retentionengagement section 148. As shown in FIG. 1, the mating component 106 isinserted in the interior bore 132 of the implant 102. The middleanti-rotational section 146 engages the anti-rotational section 134 ofthe implant 102 while the bottom retention engagement section 148engages the retention component section 136. As shown in FIG. 2, theretention component 104 moves up to eventually contact the retentionstop surface 314 when it is rotated by the driver tool 108 in FIG. 1 andlocks the mating component 106 with the implant 102.

The top surface 142 of the mating component 106 includes a componenthead 402 that may be an abutment in this example. The component head 402in this example is a one piece abutment and includes a bottomcylindrical section 404 that includes a bottom rim 406 that has a planarstop surface 408. The diameter of the bottom cylindrical section 404 isthe same diameter of the annular interior shoulder 306 of the implant102 in FIGS. 3A-3B. The planar stop surface 408 contacts the annularstop surface 308 and creates a seal between the mating component 106 andthe implant 102 from joining the two stop surfaces 308 and 408 and thepreload generated between the retention component 104 and the matingcomponent 106 as shown in FIG. 2. The two planar stop surfaces 308 and408 have the additional benefit of establishing a common datum plane,which is utilized throughout the entire restorative process, therebyeliminating lack of control over the vertical location of therestorative components. The planar surfaces are easier to mate thenconical surfaces and promote both vertical location control (reducingvertical location variability), as well as seal robustness (furtheramplified by the high pre-load).

The anti-rotational section 146 includes a cylindrical main body 420having a top end coupled to the component head 402 and an opposite endthat ends in a conical section 422. The cylindrical main body 420includes an exterior surface 424 that includes circular ridges 426 andgrooves 428. The circular ridges 426 interlock with the grooves 312 ofthe anti-rotational section 134 of the implant 102 while the grooves 428interlock with the ridges 310 of the anti-rotational section 134.

The bottom retention engagement section 148 includes a cylindrical body440 that has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the anti-rotationalsection 146. The cylindrical body 440 has an exterior surface 442 thatincludes threads 444. As will be explained, the threads 444 engage thethreads of the retention component 104.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the retention component 104 includes acompliant conical element 150 and a cylindrical main body 152 thatincludes an interior bore 154 with a locking section 156 that interfaceswith the head of the driver tool 108. In this example, the retentioncomponent 104 may be fabricated from SS316L stainless steel and may betreated with a lubricious surface coating such as gold-plating. Thepurpose of the gold-plated coating is to increase the efficiency of theretention component 106 and the resultant pre-load within the assemblyfor a given rotational force. In this example, the implant 102 istitanium. Of course, other dental restoration appropriate materials maybe used for the components of the assembly 100.

FIG. 5A-5B shows detailed views of the retention component 104. Thecompliant conical element 150 includes a cylindrical exterior surface502 and a sloped exterior surface 504 near an open end 506. A beveledinterior annular surface 508 is formed on the open end 506. The beveledinterior annular surface 508 is connected to a cylindrical interiorsurface 510. The cylindrical interior surface 510 leads to a threadedinterior surface 512. The compliant conical element 150 includes fourarms 522, 524, 526, and 528. Four slots 532, 534, 536, and 538 areinterposed between the four arms 522, 524, 526, and 528. The four arms522, 524, 526, and 528 each include the threaded interior surface 512.

The cylindrical main body 152, including the interior bore 154, iscoupled to the locking section 156. The interior diameter of an interiorspace 540 of the locking section 156 is less than the diameter of thethreaded interior surface 512 of the bore 154. The interior space 540includes a series of six interior surfaces 542 that mate with the headof the driver tool 108.

The driver tool 108 includes a handle 160 attached to a shaft 162. Theshaft 162 has a diameter that allows the shaft 162 to be inserted intothe bore 140 of the mating component 106. The driver tool 108 includes ahead 164 that has a series of surfaces that lock into the correspondinginterior surfaces 542 of the interior space 430 of the locking section156 of the retention component 104. In this example, the head 164 is ahexagonal cross-section and the locking section 156 is a hexagonalsocket. Of course other shapes may be used for the interface between thehead 164 and the socket.

The present system 100 primarily pertains to the retention of matingcomponents (e.g., abutments, impression copings, cover screws, etc.)such as the mating component 106 to a dental implant such as the implant102. The connection to the dental implant 102 via the retentioncomponent 104 allows the user to orientate or align the restorativemating component 106 to the desired position and retain the matingcomponent 106 without the mating component 106 rotating and without theuser handling an attachment component such as a screw that must beinserted in conjunction with the mating component, thereby avoidingmisplacement and potentially the patient swallowing the screw. Themating component 106 is retained by the retention component 104 when themating component 106 is assembled with the implant 102. The retentioncomponent 102 is preassembled by the manufacturer inside the dentalimplant 102 by collapsing the arms 522, 524, 526, and 528 of theretention component 104 to insert the retention component 104 in theretention component section 136 of the implant 102. The insertion of thedental component 106 in conjunction with the driver tool 108 allows thereturn of the retention component 104 to its pre-collapsed form as shownin FIG. 2.

During dental implant surgery, the dental implant 102 of the retentioninsert assembly 100 is placed in the patient. The retention component104 is pre-assembled in the dental implant 102 and is therefore alsoplaced in the patient with the implant 102. As shown in FIG. 1, theexterior sloped surface of the compliant conical element 150 of theretention component 104 is roughly the same shape of the conical middlesection 322 of the implant 102. The exterior diameter of the lockingsection 156 of the retention component 104 is roughly the same as thediameter of the bottom section 324. Thus, the retention component 104 isinitially seated on the interior bottom end 326 of the bottom section324 of the implant 102 as shown FIG. 1. The outer diameter of thecomplaint conical element 150 is slightly larger than the diameter ofthe interior bore 132 of the anti-rotational section 134. The arms 522,524, 526, and 528 of the retention component 104 are pinched in to allowthe insertion of the retention component 104 into the implant 102.

The mating restorative component 106 is aligned and positioned on top ofthe dental implant 102. The middle anti-rotational section 146 of themating component 106 engages the anti-rotation section 134 of theimplant 102. The circular ridges 310 and grooves 312 of theanti-rotation section 134 of the implant mate with the correspondinggrooves 428 and ridges 426 of the anti-rotational section 146 of themating component 106 to prevent rotational motion of the matingcomponent 106. The retention engagement section 148 of the matingcomponent 106 is inserted into the open end 506 of the retentioncomponent 104. The threads 444 on the exterior surface 442 of thecylindrical body 440 of the mating component 106 contact the threadedinterior surface 512 of the cylindrical interior surface 510 of theretention component 104.

The driver tool 108 is inserted through the access hole 140 of themating component 104 so the head 164 engages the driving feature (e.g.,hexagonal interior surfaces 542) of the retention component 104. Theretention component 104 is then rotated by the driver tool 108 andthereby engages the mating component 106. The exterior threads 444 ofthe mating component 106 engage the interior threads 512 of theretention component 104 by a user applying downward pressure on themating component 106 via pushing the driver tool 108. When the drivertool 108 is turned, the retention component 104 is rotated, thusengaging the interior threads 512 with the exterior threads 444 of themating component 106. As the driver tool 108 continues to be rotated,the motion spreads apart the arms 522, 524, 526, and 528 of theretention component 104. The retention component 104 pulls the matingcomponent 106 apically via the engagement of the exterior threads 444with the interior threads 512 until full mating of the mating component106 and the implant 102. The driver tool 108 is then removed. On fullmating, the tops of the arms 522, 524, 526, and 528 contact theretention stop surface 314 of the implant 102 as shown in FIG. 2. Asalso shown in FIG. 2, the planar stop surface 408 of the bottom rim 406of the dental component 106 creates a seal by contacting the annularstop surface 308 of the annular interior shoulder 306 of the implant102. Thus, the top of the arms 522, 524, 526, and 528 of the retentioncomponent 104 contacting the retention stop surface 314 of the implant102 and the planar stop surface 408 of the mating component 106contacting the annular stop surface 308 of the implant 102 serve to holdthe now attached retention component 104 and mating component 106 to theimplant 102.

Further since the retention component 104 is not contained inside themating component 106 nor above the occlusal surface of the dentalimplant 102 in the assembly 100, the design flexibility of a restorationfor a patient is greatly increased by allowing the possibility of anextremely short and angled restoration.

FIG. 6A shows an alternate dental assembly 600 including an alternateretention component 602 and an alternate driver tool 604. The dentalassembly 600 includes an implant 102 and a mating component 106 that areidentical to their counterparts described in FIGS. 1 and 2 above. FIG.6B shows a perspective view of the alternate retention component 602 andFIG. 6C shows a top view of the alternate retention component 602. Thealternate retention component 602 includes a compliant conical element610, a cylindrical support body 612, a central shaft 614, and a driverengagement head 616. The driver engagement head 619 interfaces with thedriver tool 604.

The compliant conical element 610 includes a cylindrical exteriorsurface 622 and a sloped exterior surface 624 near an open end 626. Abeveled interior annular surface 628 is formed on the open end 626. Thebeveled interior annular surface 628 is connected to a cylindricalinterior surface 630. The cylindrical interior surface 630 leads to athreaded interior surface 632. The compliant conical element 610includes four arms 642, 644, 646, and 648. Four slots 652, 654, 656, and658 are interposed between the four arms 642, 644, 646, and 648. Thefour arms 642, 644, 646, and 648 each include the threaded interiorsurface 632.

The cylindrical support body 612 includes a bottom surface 650 thatforms an interior space in conjunction with the compliant conicalelement 610. The central shaft 614 is mounted on the bottom surface 650.The driver engagement head 616 includes a hexagonal shaped exterior 652that mates with the driver tool 604. In this example, the shaft 616 is asingle piece fabrication with the cylindrical support body 612 and thecompliant conical section 610. In this example, the alternate retentioncomponent 602 is stainless steel with gold plating.

The driver tool 604 includes a handle 660 attached to a shaft 662. Theshaft 662 has a diameter that allows the shaft 662 to be inserted intothe bore 140 of the mating component 106. The driver tool 604 includes ahead 664 that includes a socket 666 with hexagonal interior surfaces 668that lock into the corresponding hexagonal surfaces 652 of theengagement head 616 of the retention component 602. The driver tool 604includes an optional mechanical fuse section 670 that reduces thecross-section of the shaft 662 such that the torque at which it wouldshear would be higher than the torque required for securing theretention component 602, but lower than the torque required to destroythe retention component 602 and/or the interface between the retentioncomponent 602 and the driver tool 604. Thus, in the event of failure ofthe driver tool 604, the retention component 602 and the correspondingcomponents such as the implant 102 and the mating component 106 will beprotected.

During dental implant surgery, the dental implant 102 of the retentioninsert assembly 100 is placed in the patient. The retention component602 is pre-assembled in the dental implant 102 and is therefore alsoplaced in the patient. As shown in FIG. 6A, the exterior sloped surfaceof the compliant conical element 610 and the cylindrical support body612 roughly match the shape of the conical middle section 322 and thebottom section 324 of the implant 102. Thus, the retention component 602is initially seated on the interior bottom end 326 of the bottom section324 of the implant 102. The outer diameter of the complaint conicalelement 610 is slightly larger than the diameter of the interior bore132 of the anti-rotational section 134 of the implant 102. The arms 642,644, 646, and 648 of the retention component 602 are pinched in to allowthe insertion of the retention component 602 into the implant 102.

The mating component 106 is aligned and positioned on top of the dentalimplant 102. The middle anti-rotational section 146 of the matingcomponent 106 engages the anti-rotation section 134 of the implant 102and prevents rotation of the mating component 106. The retentionengagement section 148 of the mating component 106 is inserted into theopen end 616 of the retention component 602. The threads 444 on theexterior surface 442 of the cylindrical body 440 of the mating component106 contact the threaded interior surface 632 of the cylindricalinterior surface 630 of the retention component 602.

The driver tool 604 is inserted through the access hole 140 of themating component 106 so the socket 666 mates with the engagement head616 of the retention component 602. A user may push the driver tool 604so the mating component 106 is forced downward into the implant 102. Theretention insert 602 is then rotated by the driver tool 604 and engagesthe mating component 104. The exterior threads 444 of the matingcomponent 106 engage the interior threads 632 of the retention component602. When the driver tool 604 is turned, the retention component 602 isrotated, thus engaging the interior threads 632 with the exteriorthreads 444 of the mating component 106. As the driver tool 604continues to be rotated, the imparted motion to the retention component106 spreads the arms 642, 644, 646, and 648 of the retention component602 apart. The retention component 602 pulls the mating component 106apically via the engagement of the exterior threads 444 and interiorthreads 632 until full mating of the mating component 106 and theimplant 102 is achieved. The driver tool 604 is then removed. On fullmating, the top of the arms 642, 644, 646, and 648 contact the retentionstop surface 314 of the implant 102 as shown in FIG. 6A. As also shownin FIG. 6A, the planar stop surface 408 of the dental component 106creates a seal by contacting the annular stop surface 308 of the implant102. Thus, the top of the arms 642, 644, 646, and 648 of the retentioncomponent 602 contacting the retention stop surface 314 of the implant102 and the planar stop surface 408 contacting the annular stop surface308 serve to hold the now attached retention component 602 and matingcomponent 106 to the implant 102.

Alternatively, the retention component 602 may be a two-piece assemblyFIG. 6D is a cross-section view of the alternate interface assembly 600in FIG. 6A with a two-piece retention component 680. FIG. 6E is aperspective view of the two-piece retention component 680 in FIG. 6E.The interface assembly 600 in FIG. 6D has the same implant 102, matingcomponent 106, and driver tool 604 as those shown in FIG. 6A. Theretention component 680 has the same general shape and functions thesame as the retention component 602 shown in FIGS. 6A-6C above. Theretention component 680 has a compliance piece 682 that includes theconical compliant section 610 and the bottom surface 650 of theretention component 602 in FIG. 6A. A separate insert 684 forms thecentral shaft 614 and driver engagement head 616.

As shown in FIG. 6D, the compliance piece 682 has a bottom hole 686 thatholds the insert 684. The insert 684 includes a pin 688 that is insertedin the bottom hole 686. An annular protrusion 690 rests on the bottomsurface 650 of the compliance piece 682. The insert 684 is locked inplace by a press fit with the annular protrusion 690. Alternatively, thepin 688 may be attached via a screw to the compliance piece 682.

FIG. 7A shows an alternate dental implant assembly 700 that includes adental component 706 that may be attached to an implant 702 via analternate retention component 704. A driver tool 604 identical to thedriver tool 604 in FIG. 6A is used in FIG. 7A to attach the componentsin the assembly 700. FIG. 7B shows a perspective view of an alternateretention component 704 and FIG. 7C shows a top view of the retentioncomponent 704. The implant 702 in this example includes a roughlycylindrical body 710 that includes a closed end 712 and an opposite openend 714. The cylindrical body 710 includes a series of exterior threads716 that hold the implant 702 into the bone. The implant 702 includes aninterior bore 722 having an anti-rotation section 724, a middlecylindrical chamber 726, and a retention component chamber 728.

The open end 714 includes an annular ring 730 defining an annularinterior shoulder 732 that includes an annular stop surface 734. Theannular stop surface 734 is substantially horizontal and allows thedental component 706 to be seated and creates a seal as will beexplained below.

The anti-rotation section 724 of the implant 702 includes a set ofcircular ridges and grooves that mate with corresponding surfaces on thedental component 706 to prevent rotational motion of the dentalcomponent 706 when it is inserted into the dental implant 702. Theretention component chamber 728 includes a retention stop wall 736having a first diameter that is less than the diameter of the retentioncomponent chamber 728.

The alternate retention component 704 includes a compliant element 740on one end of a cylindrical support body 742, and a driver engagementhead 746 on the other end. The engagement head 746 interfaces with thedriver tool 604.

The compliant element 740 includes a cylindrical bottom plate 750 thatsupports four compliant arms 752, 754, 756 and 758. Each of thecompliant arms 752, 754, 756, and 758 are angled outward from thesupport body 742. The diameter of the bottom plate 750 is roughly thatof the diameter of the retention stop wall 736 to allow the bottom plate750 to be inserted through the retention stop wall 736 into the chamber728. Four slots 762, 764, 766, and 768 are interposed between the fourarms 752, 754, 756, and 758. The four arms 752, 754, 756, and 758 areapproximately the same height as the retention component chamber 728 ofthe implant 702.

The cylindrical support body 742 includes exterior threads 770. Thedriver engagement head 746 includes a hexagonal shaped exterior surface772 that mates with the driver tool 604. In this example, the alternateretention component 704 is stainless steel with gold plating.

The dental component 706 in this example includes a head 780 that iscoupled to one end of a middle anti-rotational section 782. The oppositeend of the middle section 782 is coupled to a retention engagementsection 784. An interior bore 788 is formed through the dental component706. The bore 788 has a diameter sufficient to accommodate the driverengagement head 746. The retention engagement section 784 has acylindrical inner surface 790 that includes threads 792. A planar stopsurface 796 is formed on the bottom of the head 780 of the dentalcomponent 706.

During dental implant surgery, the dental implant 702 of the retentioninsert assembly 700 is inserted in an osteotomy formed in the patient.The retention component 704 is pre-positioned in the retention chamber728 of the dental implant 702 and is therefore also placed in thepatient with the dental implant 702. The retention component 704 may bepushed into the retention component chamber 728 prior to placing theimplant 702 in the patient. The insertion of the retention component 704causes the arms 752, 754, 756, and 758 to be flexed inward by thenarrower diameter of the retention component chamber 728. The arms 752,754, 756, and 758 then expand out and contact the retention stop wall736 of the implant 702. Thus, the bottom 750 of the retention component704 is seated and retained in the retention component chamber 728 of theimplant 702.

The mating component 706 is aligned and positioned on top of the dentalimplant 702. The middle anti-rotational section 782 of the matingcomponent 706 engages the anti-rotation section 724 of the implant 702.The retention engagement section 784 of the mating component 706 isinserted around the driver engagement head 746. The threads 792 on theinterior surface 790 of the retention engagement section 784 of themating component 706 contact the threads 770 of the cylindrical body 742of the retention component 702.

The driver tool 604 is inserted through the interior bore 794 of themating component 706 so the socket 666 mates with the engagement head742 of the retention component 704. The retention component 704 is thenrotated by the driver tool 604 and engages the mating component 706. Theuser pushes the driver tool 604 downward so the interior threads 792 ofthe mating component 706 engage the exterior threads 770 of theretention component 704. When the driver tool 604 is turned, theretention component 704 is rotated, thus engaging the threads 770 of theretention component 704 with the interior threads 792 of the matingcomponent 706. As the driver tool 604 continues to be rotated, theretention component 704 pulls the mating component 706 apically via theengagement of the exterior threads 770 and interior threads 792 untilfull mating of the mating component 706 and the implant 702 is achieved.The driver tool 704 is then removed. On full mating, the planar stopsurface 794 of the dental component 706 creates a seal by contacting theannular stop surface 734 of the implant 702. Thus, the top of the arms752, 754, 756, and 758 of the retention component 706 contacting theretention stop surface 736 of the implant 702 and the planar stopsurface 794 contacting the annular stop surface 734 serve to hold thenow attached retention component 704 and mating component 706 to theimplant 702.

FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of an alternate dental implant assembly800 that includes an implant 802 that may be attached to a dentalcomponent 806 via an alternate retention component 804 in conjunctionwith a C-shaped snap ring insert 808. FIG. 8B shows a side view of thecomponents of the dental implant assembly 800 when the dental component806 is inserted into the implant 802. FIG. 8C is a side view of thecomponents of the dental implant assembly 800 when the dental component806 is fully attached to the implant 802. A driver tool 108 identical tothe driver tool 108 in FIG. 1 is used in FIG. 8B to attach thecomponents.

The implant 802 in this example includes a roughly cylindrical body 810that includes a closed end 812 and an opposite open end 814. Thecylindrical body 810 includes a series of exterior threads 816 that holdthe implant 802 into the bone. The implant 802 includes an interior bore822 having an anti-rotation section 824, a middle neck section 826, anda retention component chamber 828.

The open end 814 includes an annular stop surface 830. The annular stopsurface 830 is substantially horizontal and allows the dental component806 to be seated and creates a seal as will be explained below.

The anti-rotation section 824 includes a set of circular ridges andgrooves that mate with corresponding surfaces on the dental component806 to prevent rotational motion when the dental component 806 isinserted into the dental implant 802. The retention component chamber828 includes an annular retention stop wall 832 formed by the middleneck 826 that has a diameter that is less than the diameter of theretention component chamber 828.

FIG. 9A shows a perspective view of the alternate retention component804, FIG. 9B is a side view of the retention component 804 and FIG. 9Cshows a top view of the retention component 804. The alternate retentioncomponent 804 includes an annular protrusion 840 on one end of acylindrical support body 842, and a driver engagement head 846 on theother end. The annular protrusion 840 includes a conical bottom 848 anda circular contact surface 850. The engagement head 846 includes asocket 852 that interfaces with the driver tool 108. The diameter of theannular protrusion 840 is roughly that of the diameter of the retentionstop wall 832 of the implant 802 to allow the annular protrusion 840 ofthe retention component 804 to be inserted in the retention chamber 828of the implant 802. The insert 808 may be compressed to a smallerdiameter fit into the retention component chamber 828. The insert 808then expands to a greater diameter to be retained in the retentioncomponent chamber 828 by the retention stop wall 832. The snap ringinsert 808 is intended to be removable should it and/or the retentioncomponent fail 806 to mitigate the osseointegrated implant 802 fromhaving to be trephined out of a patient. The snap ring insert 808 may beremoved by a specialized tool that engages optional protrusion featureson the snap ring insert 808 and compressing the snap ring insert 808 toa smaller diameter to be released from the retention chamber 828 andthus removed from the implant 802.

The cylindrical support body 842 includes exterior threads 860. Thesocket 852 of the driver engagement head 846 includes a hexagonal shapedinterior surface 862 that mates with the driver tool 108. In thisexample, the alternate retention component 804 is stainless steel withgold plating.

The dental component 806 in this example includes a head 870 that iscoupled to a middle anti-rotational section 872 that is coupled to aretention engagement section 874. An interior bore 878 is formed throughthe dental component 806. The bore 878 has a diameter sufficient for thedental component 806 to accommodate the driver engagement head 846. Thebead 870 has a sloped bottom section 880 that terminates in an annularcontact shoulder 882. The retention engagement section 874 has acylindrical inner surface 890 that includes threads 892.

FIG. 8B is a cross-section view of the alternate interface in FIG. 8Awhen the dental component 806 is inserted into the implant 802 anddownward pressure is exerted via the driver tool 108. During dentalimplant surgery, the dental implant 802 of the retention insert assembly800 is inserted in an osteotomy created in the patient. The retentioncomponent 204 and insert 808 are pre-positioned in the retentioncomponent chamber 828 of the dental implant 802 and are therefore alsoplaced in the patient as shown in FIG. 8B. The retention component 804may be pushed into the retention component chamber 828 first and thenthe insert 808 is compressed to fit through the neck 826 into theretention component chamber 828. Once the insert 808 is placed in thechamber 828, it expands and is held in place by the retention stop wall832.

The mating component 806 is aligned and positioned on top of the dentalimplant 802. The middle anti-rotational section 872 of the matingcomponent 806 engages the anti-rotation section 824 of the implant 802preventing the rotation of the mating component 806. The retentionengagement section 874 of the mating component 806 is inserted aroundthe driver engagement head 846. The threads 892 on the interior surface890 of the retention engagement section 874 of the mating component 806contact the threads 860 of the cylindrical support body 842 of theretention component 804.

The driver tool 108 is inserted through the interior bore 852 of themating component 806 so the head mates with the engagement surface 862of the retention component 804. The user may apply downward force viathe driver tool 108 to the mating component 806 in order to engage theretention component 804. As a result, the interior threads 892 of themating component 806 engage the exterior threads 860 of the retentioncomponent 804. When the driver tool 108 is turned, the retentioncomponent 804 is rotated, thus engaging the threads 860 with theinterior threads 892 of the mating component 806. As the driver tool 108continues to be rotated, the retention component 804 pulls the matingcomponent 806 apically via the engagement of the exterior threads 860and interior threads 892 until full mating of the mating component 806and the implant 802 is achieved. The driver tool 108 is then removed.

FIG. 8C is a cross-section view of the alternate interface 800 in FIG.8A when the dental component 806 is fully mated with the dental implant802 and the driver tool 108 is removed. On full mating, the circularcontact surface 850 of the annular protrusion 840 of the retentioncomponent 804 is compressed against one side of the insert 808. Theopposite side of the insert 808 contacts the retention stop surface 832of the implant 802. The mating component 806 is held by the interface ofthe threads 860 and 892 to the retention component 804. The contactsurface 882 of the dental component 806 contacts the annular contactsurface 830 of the implant 802 to create an additional seal.

As explained above, the mating component in the previous examples mayinclude devices other than abutments. For example, a cover screwcomponent 1000 shown in FIGS. 10A-10D may be used to protect theinterior of the implant 802 and the retention component 804 in FIG. 8Aprior to insertion of an abutment or other prosthetic later in therestorative process FIG. 10A is a cross-section view of the assembly ofthe cover screw dental component 1000 with the implant 802 and retentioncomponent 804 shown in FIG. 8A-8C. FIG. 10B is a perspective, explodedview of the components of the cover screw dental component 1000, FIG.10C is a top view of the cover screw dental component 1000, and FIG. 10Dis a side view of the cover screw dental component 1000. The cover screwdental component 1000 includes a cap 1002 that is attachable to acylindrical body 1004. The assembly of the cap 1002 and cylindrical body1004 may be seen in FIGS. 10A and 10D.

The cap 1002 includes a top surface 1010 with a socket 1012 thatincludes an interface surface 1014. The socket 1012 allows the coverscrew dental component 1000 to be rotated into place by a screw driveror specialized driver tool such as the driver tool 108 in FIG. 8B. Anopposite bottom surface 1020 includes a protruding stem 1022. The stem1022 includes a locking annular slot 1024 that allows the retention ofthe cap 1002 with the cylindrical body 1004. The stem 1022 also includesan engagement section 1026 that has exterior features 1028 that matewith the socket 852 of the engagement head 846 of the retentioncomponent 804 in FIG. 8A.

The cylindrical body 1004 includes an annular tab 1030 that locks intothe annular slot 1024 of the cap 1002. The cylindrical body 1004includes an exterior surface 1032 that includes locking features 1034that interface with the anti-rotational section 824 of the implant 802.The cylindrical body 1004 includes an interior surface 1036 thatincludes threads 1038.

As may be shown in FIG. 10A, the cover screw 1000 is inserted into theimplant 802 such that the locking features 1034 interface with theanti-rotational section 824 of the implant 802. The engagement section1026 is inserted into the engagement head 852 of the retention component804. The cap 1002 is rotated by a suitable tool inserted in the socket1012 causing the retention component 804 to be rotated and move apicallytoward the cover screw 1000. The threads 1038 of the cylindrical body1004 engage the threads 860 of the cylindrical support body 842 of theretention component 804. When fully assembled, the bottom surface 1020creates a seal with the annular contact surface 830 of the implant 802.In this manner, the retention component 804 rotates via the rotation ofthe cap 1002 into the fixed cylindrical body 1004.

FIG. 11A is a top view of an alternate implant interface 1100 for adental component 1140 with different rotational orientations. An implant1110 is similar to the implant 102 in FIG. 1, the implant 702 in FIG.7A, or the implant 802 in FIG. 8A. The implant 1110 has an alternateanti-rotational section 1112 that prevents the rotation of the dentalcomponent 1120 when the dental component 1120 is inserted in the implant1110. The anti-rotational section 1112 includes a socket 1120 thatincludes a cylindrical inner surface 1122 that includes seven radialprotrusions 1124 a-1124 g. Each of the radial protrusions 1124 a-1124 gis equally spaced from each other, forming corresponding equally spacedand dimensioned gaps 1126 a-1126 f. The radial protrusions 1124 a and1124 g are spaced away from each other at a greater radial distance ofthe circumference of the inner surface 1122 and form a larger circulargap 1126.

The dental component 1140 includes an anti-rotational section 1142 thathas a cylindrical exterior surface 1144. The cylindrical exteriorsurface 1144 includes eight symmetrical radial labs 1146 a-1146 i thatform corresponding grooves 1148 a-1148 i. When the dental component 1140is inserted into the implant 1110, the radial tabs 1146 a-1146 i areinserted into the gaps 1126 a-1126 f and 1128 of the implant 1110 asshown in FIG. 11A. The interaction between the tabs 1146 a-1146 i andthe gaps 1126 a-1126 f and 1128 as well as the grooves 1148 a-1148 i andthe protrusions 1124 a-g prevent rotation of the dental component 1140.As shown in FIG. 11A, the larger circular gap 1128 holds two of the tabs1146 a-1146 b of the dental component 1140. In this manner, the dentalcomponent 1140 may have eight separate rotational orientations relativeto the implant 1110.

FIG. 11B is a top view of the alternate implant interface 1100 includingthe implant 1110 with a dental component 1150 with a specific rotationalorientation. The dental component 1150 includes an anti-rotationalsection 1152 that has a cylindrical exterior surface 1154. Thecylindrical exterior surface 1154 includes six symmetrical radial tabs1156 a-1156 f that form corresponding grooves 1158 a-1158 g. A largertab 1160 is formed in one specific part of the surface 1154 between thegrooves 1158 a and 1158 g. When the dental component 1150 is insertedinto the implant 1110, the radial tabs 1156 a-1156 f are inserted intothe corresponding gaps 1126 a-1126 f of the implant 1110 as shown inFIG. 11B. The larger tab 1160 is only insertable into the larger gap1128 of the implant 1110. In this manner, the interaction between thetabs 1156 a-1156 f and the corresponding gaps 1126 a-1126 f as well asthe grooves 1158 a-1158 g and the protrusions 1124 a-g prevent rotationof the dental component 1140. As shown in FIG. 11B, the larger circulargap 1128 holds the larger tab 1160 and thereby locks the dentalcomponent 1150 in one specific rotational orientation relative to theimplant 1110.

FIG. 12A is a cross section view of the interface assembly in FIG. 8Awith a plug device 1200 inserted in the dental component 806 whenassembled with the implant 802 in FIG. 8B. The plug 1200 is insertedinto the interior bore 878 of the dental component 806. The plug 1200prevents debris from entering into the interior of the implant 802 andthe retention component 804 before a crown or other prosthetic isinstalled on the dental component 806. The plug 1200 may be fabricatedfrom silicone or any other suitable compliant material. The plug 1200includes a main body 1202 that has a diameter that is the size of thebore 878. The plug 1200 includes a socket 1204 that includes an annularlip 1206 with a lateral slot 1208.

A plug tool 1250 includes a head 1252 that may be inserted in the socket1204 of the plug 1200. The head 1252 includes a tab 1256 that may beinserted through the slot 1208 in the annular lip 1206. As shown in FIG.12A, when the tab 1206 is twisted and oriented with the slot 1208, theplug tool 1250 may be removed from the plug 1200. As shown in FIG. 12B,when the tab 1256 is inserted into the slot 1208 and the plug tool 1250is turned, the tab 1256 contacts the annular lip 1206 and the plug tool1250 is attached to the plug 1200. Thus, the plug 1200 may be insertedby the plug tool 1250. The plug tool 1250 is twisted, allowing the tab1256 to be removed through the slot 1208. When the plug 1200 has to beremoved, the plug tool 1250 is inserted such that the tab 1256 isinserted through the slot 1208. The plug tool 1250 is then twistedallowing the tab 1256 to contact the annular lip 1206. The plug tool1250 may then lift the plug 1200 out of the dental component 806.

While particular implementations and applications of the presentdisclosure have been illustrated and described, it is to be understoodthat the present disclosure is not limited to the precise constructionand compositions disclosed herein and that various modifications,changes, and variations can be apparent from the foregoing descriptionswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as definedin the appended claims.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A dental restoration system comprising: an implanthaving a tip, a cylindrical body, an open end having an annularshoulder, and a first bore having a first anti-rotation section, amiddle neck section defining a stop wall, and a retention componentchamber; a retention component seated in the retention chamber of theimplant, the retention component including an annular protrusion at anapical end of a support body and a driver engagement section at acoronal end of the support body; an insert seated in the retentionchamber between the annular protrusion of the retention component andthe stop wall of the implant; and a dental component including a head, asecond anti-rotation section, and a retention component interfaceincluding a second bore, wherein, during attachment, the dentalcomponent is inserted into the dental component such that the firstanti-rotation section of the implant engages the second anti-rotationsection of the dental component, wherein the retention component isconfigured to rotate relative to the dental component and the implantand engage the dental component to couple the dental component to theimplant.
 22. The dental restoration system of claim 21, wherein the headof the dental component extends from a coronal end to a shoulder that isconfigured to abut the annular shoulder of the implant when the dentalcomponent is coupled to the implant.
 23. The dental restoration systemof claim 21, wherein the insert is a C-shaped insert.
 24. The dentalrestoration system of claim 21, wherein the second bore of the retentioncomponent interface includes threads.
 25. The dental restoration systemof claim 24, wherein the support body of the retention componentincludes external threads, and wherein, during attachment, the secondbore receives the support body such that the threads of the retentioncomponent interface engage the external threads of the support body. 26.The dental restoration system of claim 21, further including: a drivingtool including a driving head.
 27. The dental restoration system ofclaim 26, wherein the driver engagement section of the retentioncomponent includes a socket configured to receive the driving head, andwherein the driving tool and the retention component are rotationallylocked such that any rotational force applied to the driving tool willtranslate to the retention component.
 28. The dental restoration systemof claim 21, wherein the dental component is selected from one of anabutment, a cover screw, an impression comping, and an attachment memberwhich when scanned provides data relating to the implant.
 29. The dentalrestoration system of claim 21, wherein the retention component isfabricated from stainless steel with a treated lubricious surfacecoating and the implant is fabricated from commercially pure titanium.30. The dental restoration system of claim 29, wherein the lubricioussurface coating is gold plating.
 31. A dental restoration systemcomprising: an implant having a tip, a cylindrical body, an open endhaving an annular shoulder, and a first bore having a middle necksection defining a stop wall and a retention component chamber; aretention component seated in the retention chamber of the implant, theretention component including an annular protrusion at an apical end ofa support body and a driver engagement section at a coronal end of thesupport body; an insert seated in the retention chamber between theannular protrusion of the retention component and the stop wall of theimplant; and a dental component including a head and a retentioncomponent interface, wherein the dental component is configured toengage the retention component when the dental component is inserted inthe implant, wherein, during attachment, the retention component isconfigured to rotate relative to the implant and the dental componentsuch that (i) the retention component moves, relative to the implant, ina coronal direction toward the annular shoulder until the annularprotrusion is compressed against a first side of the insert as a secondside of the insert contacts the stop wall of the implant, and (2) thedental component moves, relative to the implant, in an apical directiontoward the tip until a portion of the dental component contacts theannular shoulder of the open end of the implant.
 32. The dentalrestoration system of claim 31, further including: a driving toolincluding a driving head.
 33. The dental restoration system of claim 32,wherein the retention component includes a socket at a coronal end ofthe retention component, the socket configured to receive the drivinghead such that the driving tool and the retention component arerotationally locked.
 34. The dental restoration system of claim 31,wherein the dental component is selected from one of an abutment, acover screw, an impression comping, and an attachment member which whenscanned provides data relating to the implant.
 35. The dentalrestoration system of claim 31, wherein the insert is a C-shaped insert.36. The dental restoration system of claim 35, wherein a first diameterof annular protrusion is equal to or less than a second diameter of themiddle neck section, and wherein the insert has a compressed diameterand an uncompressed diameter, the compressed diameter being equal to orless than the second diameter of the middle neck section and theuncompressed diameter of the insert is greater than the second diameterof the middle neck section.
 37. A method of connecting a dentalcomponent to an implant via a retention component, wherein the implantincludes a tip, a cylindrical body and an open end having an annularshoulder, the cylindrical body including a first bore having a stop walland a retention component chamber, and wherein the retention componentincludes an annular protrusion at an apical end of a support body, adriver section at a coronal end of the support body for interfacing witha driving head of a driver tool, and a dental component engagementsection along the support body, the method comprising; inserting theretention component into the implant such that the annular protrusion ispositioned apically relative to the stop wall, the retention componentat least partially contained in the retention component chamber;compressing an insert and positioning the insert over the support bodyof the retention component and into the retention component chamber, theinsert positioned between the stop wall and the annular protrusion;allowing the insert to expand to an uncompressed state such that adiameter of the insert is greater than a diameter of the stop wall;inserting the retention component and the implant into a subject;inserting the dental component into the implant; permitting the dentalcomponent to interface with the retention component; and rotating theretention component, relative to the implant and the dental component,to join the dental component apically and couple the dental component tothe implant.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the dental component isinserted into the implant, a first non-rotational section of the implantinteracts with a second non-rotational section of the dental componentsuch that the dental component and implant are rotationally locked. 39.The method of claim 37, wherein the retention component and the dentalcomponent are threadably engaged to couple the dental component to theimplant.
 40. The method of claim 37, wherein, when the retentioncomponent is rotated and joins the dental component, the retentioncomponent moves coronally with respect to the implant until the insertis compressed between the stop wall and the annular protrusion.